2 Best Plumbing Schools in Bakersfield, CA

About the School

Bakersfield Community College is the primary educational facility in the city.

It provides many career training options.

For example, their Construction Technology associates degree includes some plumbing training.

These classes introduce you to this career and help you transition into this field.

Courses Offered

BCC provides an in-depth construction program that includes multiple construction-related courses.

For example, it provides two plumbing courses that will help prepare you for the basics of this field.

You can take these courses before a plumbing apprenticeship or licensing exam.

During Plumbing I, you’ll learn how to use hand, power, and special trade tools.

You’ll also master sizing, designing, and assembling household plumbing equipment.

In Plumbing II, you’ll receive specialized hands-on tool training, such as working with pipe fitting and cutting equipment.

Then, you’ll study the government regulations for plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair.

Memorizing these laws will ensure you safely and properly install plumbing equipment for your customers.

Furthermore, you’ll learn about code-compliant installation of fixtures and appliances to increase your knowledge base.

This information makes it easier for you to handle complex tasks, such as planning water flow management.

Note that you’ll also learn basic construction skills and residential electrical wiring while earning your degree.

Other classes include estimating and scheduling and construction supervision.

After completing your degree, you can take the plumbing licensing exam.

This test includes many questions that gauge your abilities.

If you pass the test, you can begin your career as a plumber.

If you don’t pass the exam, you can retake it.

About the School

United Association is a plumbing union that represents 363,000 trade workers.

Their Bakersfield office provide an apprenticeship program for plumbers.

You’ll get work-based training and real-world experience with installation and repairs in this program.

Courses Offered

While technically not a school, UA provides an excellent plumbing training option.

You’ll learn about essential plumbing skills and earn money at the same time.

Apprenticeships like these are common in trade work because they benefit both the apprentice and the employer.

For example, you’ll not only learn plumbing skills but earn money as you work.

In this way, an apprenticeship is a full-time job, as UA’s apprenticeship program includes 2,000 hours on-the-job every year.

You’ll also get 216 hours of classroom instruction.

Subjects include safety, plan reading, design, math, science, and tool use.

Often, you’ll learn a new skill set and immediately apply it in your work.

Typically, an apprenticeship program takes five years to complete.

After finishing, you can take the licensing exam and begin your plumbing career.

Even better, UA also offers a plumbing certification program.

You’ll earn this plumbing certificate during your apprenticeship.

This nationally recognized certificate showcases your skills to potential employers.

Please note that joining UA also provides other benefits, such as union support.

For instance, they will help new plumbers like you find jobs after completing their program.

Their unique approach is one of the most hands-on ways to learn this trade.

It’s a great option if you want to feel fully competent starting your career.